This information about the disparity in cross section between the two branches of the D-D reaction is interesting. I encountered a preliminary abstract from fusor researchers at the University of Kyoto where they were attempting to monitor both proton and neutron production, albeit not simultaneously. They had preliminary results indicating a rough parity between proton and neutron production, but discounted the results, as their discharge was erratic at the voltages they were attempting to use. How close this parity was (Factor of two? Factor of ten?) would be interesting to know. I'll post the URL when I grub it up again. The results were incomplete at their time of post ('98), and more complete results were promised for an upcoming conference, the proceedings of which might be accessible at some well stocked university library.
Richard Hester
Created on Sunday, December 17, 2000 6:37 PM EDT by Richard L. Hester